Leading commercial law firm MKB Law has been announced as the sponsor of the Best Medium-Sized Company of the Year category at this year’s Belfast Telegraph Business Awards.
MKB Law works with businesses of all sizes across Northern Ireland. While the firm is often recognised for its involvement in high-profile deals, there is often another element of a commercial transaction — the “less glamorous” side, as described by head of litigation Christopher Mason — where MKB Law can really add value to its commercial clients.
Christopher said: “There is a perception that litigators are only called upon when matters go wrong.
“Admittedly, this is a part of the job, but over the past few years the role of the commercial litigation team in MKB has shifted somewhat.
“Rather than just being the first line of defence when issues arise, we find that more commercial clients are engaging our services from the outset of a deal.”
MKB Law
MKB Law’s litigation and corporate teams collaborate closely to ensure that legal agreements are drafted with an eye on possible pitfalls down the line, drawing on their experience of how those pitfalls manifest and the consequences of them.
To advance its advisory services, MKB Law has invested in market-leading technology to ensure it stays abreast of all the latest industry knowledge, case law and legislative changes that impact on various commercial agreements.
Northern Ireland’s business community has undergone significant change over the past decade, requiring the legal industry to adapt.
According to Christopher, business owners are becoming increasingly sophisticated when it comes to their business needs.
“With the rise in inward investment in Northern Ireland, shareholder agreements frequently involve international parties.
“This brings with it a whole raft of considerations when it comes to jurisdictional issues and enforcement. In fact, a poorly drafted shareholder agreement can often be worse than having no agreement at all.”
Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025
When disputes do arise, MKB Law prioritises early intervention and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation, to help clients avoid lengthy and costly litigation.
Recently, the firm has been involved in several high-value mediated settlements.
Christopher believes that too many lawyers are not advising their business clients of the benefits of ADR.
“Litigation is not cheap and can place considerable strain on a company. Our role as lawyers is not just to interpret the law, but to help clients navigate complex legal challenges in a way that protects their long-term commercial interests,” he said.
By championing businesses through both proactive legal guidance and strategic dispute resolution, MKB Law continues to play a vital role in Northern Ireland’s evolving commercial landscape.
The firm’s sponsorship of the Best Medium-Sized Company award highlights its dedication to fostering business success in Northern Ireland.
“We extend our best wishes to all the nominees and look forward to attending the awards gala in May,” concluded Christopher.
There are now just 10 days left to enter the awards by the closing date of March 21. To enter, go to www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/businessawards/enter